The International Day of the Seafarer was celebrated across Africa yesterday as several maritime administrations hosted functions and posted messages to recognise the need for an increased focus on ensuring safe vessels that are free of harassment and bullying in line with this year’s theme for the day as announced by the International Maritime Organisation.

COMOROS: The blue economy has been identified as a “transformative opportunity” for Comoros to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, according to a report published by the World Bank.

SOUTH AFRICA: Having completed a three-month safety audit of fishing vessels operating out of all of South Africa’s major fishing harbours, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has highlighted several concerns relating to the age of the fleet, stability issues and the lack of safety management systems.

The Gambia became the most recent African country to join the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) last month, highlighting the developing commitment from the continent to foster hydrographic skills and knowledge.

SOUTH AFRICA: The two oil and gas engineers working offshore in Equatorial Guinea that were unlawfully detained more than two years ago have returned home after they received a pardon from the President of Equatorial Guinea.

SOUTH AFRICA: Presenting a full programme, the AMSOL Group hosted stakeholders for a Marine Emergency Response and Preparedness seminar last week to help focus attention on the resources and skills required in the event of maritime incidents along the country’s coastline.

Concluding a national series of refresher workshops, the South African Maritime Safety Authority has appointed 85 external examiners and trained over 100 personnel after audit findings highlighted the need for standardised examination practices among SAMSA-accredited skipper training institutions.

SOUTH AFRICA: Toyota Material Handling, a division of CFAO Equipment, celebrated 40 years of success as a market leader and preferred supplier of material handling equipment in South Africa at a celebratory event held at The Galleria in Sandton, Johannesburg this week.